Biodynamics for the Home Garden - Peter Proctor

“...makes organics work”

Biodynamics for the

Home

Garden Peter Proctor

Biodynamics for the home G a r d e n Peter Proctor Š 2011 Peter Proctor / Cloud South Films Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Please note you do not have any giveaway rights or resale rights to this ebook.

Thank You. Published in New Zealand by Sumner Burstyn F / 19 Blake Street Ponsonby, Auckland 1011 www.cloudsouth.co.nz Publication Date: 5/2011 ISBN 978-0-473-18834-4 (e-book) Cover image and design: Ruth Sumner, 2011

Front Garden

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CONTENTS Preface page 7

Biodynamics for the home garden

Chapter 1 Page 8

What is Biodynamic gardening?

Chapter 2 Page 10

The importance of humus in the garden

Chapter 3 page 14

The Biodynamic preparations

Chapter 4 page 25

What is humus?

The part that humus plays in healthy soil

Preparation 500 - Cow Horn Dung Preparation 501 - Cow Horn Silica Preparation Clay - Cow horn Clay Preparations 502 – 507 - Compost Preparation 508 - Equisetum arvense Sequential Spraying Crop Rotation Essential Plant Nutrients

Understanding the planting calendar

Full Moon Activities Connected with Full Moon Activities Connected with the New Moon Moon and Saturn in Opposition Activities connected with Moon opposite Saturn.

Moon in Zodiac Constellations Ascending and Descending of the Moon Activities connected with Ascending Period Activities connected with Descending Period Nodes Apogee and Perigee Activities Connected to Moon Rhythms Other Astronomical Rhythms which appear on the Planting Calendar

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CONTENTS

Chapter 5 page 38

Making a compost heap

Green materials – Air and moisture make warmth Compost Site Making a home compost heap

Chapter 6 page 49

Making a Cow Pat Pit

Chapter 7 page 52

Making a liquid manure

Seaweed Liquid Cow Manure Plant materials

Chapter 8 page 55

Green manure cropping

Chapter 9 page 59

Vegetable growing

Chapter 10 page 68

Soil and bed preparation Sowing seeds - In the open ground.

Sowing, depth, and inter-row distances.

A few notes when sowing seeds in boxes or trays.

Getting the ground ready for transplanting seedlings Tomatoes Aubergines and capsicum Onions - red or white Potato Herbs

Fruits suitable for the home garden

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CONTENTS

Chapter 11 page 72

Rose growing

Chapter 12 page 75

Choosing varieties to plant Planting a rose 0RUH RQ ÁRZHUV

Disease and Pest control

Cabbage, roses, apples and peaches Fungus

Chapter 13 page 78

Lawn Management

Appendix page 79

Charts and Guides

Suggested Crop Rotation for a Home Garden Home gardener’s seed-growing and planting guide for vegetable growing.

Acknowledgements page 83

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PREFACE The home garden in a busy urban environment can be a quiet space where it is a joy to walk around after a busy working day. A nicely ODLG RXW JDUGHQ ZLWK D EDODQFH RI Ă RZHUV YHJHWDEOHV IUXLW DQG EHUU\ WUHHV Ă RZHULQJ VKUXEV VHW RXW LQ UHDVRQDEO\ WLG\ ODZQV FDQ EH D joy to the soul.

There is a lovely feeling in a garden, which after a stressful working day can be a healing balm. What is it that makes these vegetables JURZ VR ZHOO" +RZ LV LW WKDW WKH Ă RZHUV LQ WKHLU VHDVRQ WUHDW WKHVH gardeners to waves of colour and scents? I think it is because they love their garden and the garden loves them.

As they stroll around, the gardeners have the opportunity to pick and eat a handful of raspberries or blackberries growing on the fence, or gather them for the evening dessert. They may even pick up a large juicy feijoa or two to eat as they walk; maybe even to munch on that newly ripened tomato or chew on that soft tasty sweet corn. And then to walk over the soft springy lawn with that sweet scent that can only come from the freshly mown grass completes this pleasant garden experience.

Time to look at that compost heap that was made during the weekend‌..is it heating up properly, is the smell telling us the compost is breaking down in the right way?

Then, oh joy, a chance to rest awhile on the garden seat under the big apple tree, for a welcome cup of tea, and ponder “what a lovely a garden thou art “.

These gardeners enjoy their home grown vegetables and fruit because they taste so wonderful. So what shall they gather for the evening meal? It could be a salad of lettuce, cucumber, rocket, tomato, coriander and chives or perhaps a cooked meal of silver beet, broccoli, kumara, carrot, potato and onion. They never tire of these foods.

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CHAPTER 1

WHAT IS BIODYNAMIC GARDENING? Biodynamic gardening is essentially an organic system of gardening, but one that uses particular preparations made from cow dung, silica crystals and various medicinal herbs.

These preparations that are either sprinkled on the land to enhance microbial life in the soil, sprayed in a mist over the leaves of the plants to enhance photosynthesis and strengthen the plant or put into composts and liquid manures to assist the proper breakdown of the organic matter. Farmers and gardeners say that using the Biodynamic system of agriculture makes organic farming and gardening work!

Firstly, what is understood about the concepts of organic farming? Organic farming is, at its core, about the health of the soil. Before the advent of modern agricultural techniques, around the beginning of the 20th century, all agricultural soils right across the world would have been healthy and living and managed organically. This has been documented in many articles written on soil written at that time. Unfortunately modern agricultural techniques have escalated since the mid 1960s, meaning that much agricultural research and agricultural technologists have concentrated on the N P K theory of plant nutrition.

Modern agricultural science holds the belief that to feed a hungry world and meet the demand for an increase in food VXSSO\ DUWLĂ€FLDO IRUPV RI 1LWURJHQ LQ WKH IRUP RI 8UHD 1

Phosphorous, in the form of Super Phosphate (P) and Pot-

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WHAT IS BIODYNAMIC GARDENING?

9

ash in the form of Muriate of Potash (K) and all micronutrients such as Boron, Copper, Zinc, Cobalt, Magnesium etc, must be added in some form of a chemical salt to grow food.

The use of agricultural chemicals since the Second World War has resulted in major degeneration of soils throughout the world. This chemical approach has largely destroyed the humus which had developed in the soils over the centuries in agricultural countries all over the world. This has resulted in a massive loss of soil fertility which has led plants to become increasingly susceptible to disease and insect pests; there is also a consequent loss in nutritional quality in all foods.

Because the soil has lost its humus, there is less water holding capacity, the roots do not penetrate as deeply into the soil, there is less depth of root in the plants, and because there is less water holding capacity in the soil there is a greater need to irrigate in dry weather. Together with the pollution of agricultural chemical residues in the soil seeping into ground water, the world supply of drinking water is threatened.

There is a challenge to modern agriculture to change the growing systems to something more living. The organic farmer / gardener maintains the fertility of their soil using organic materials, such as animal dung, composts, liquid manures, green manures and crop rotation. All that is stated here applies equally well to the home garden as it does to any commercial horticultural or agricultural activity.

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CHAPTER

2

THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMUS IN THE GARDEN When one digs up a piece of soil in a biodynamic JDUGHQ WKH ÀUVW WKLQJ \RX QRWLFH LV KRZ HDVLO\ WKH VSDGH JRHV into the soil. The second thing is how well the soil breaks up if you drop a piece from chest height to the ground.

Break open one of these pieces of soil and observe the crumbly nature. This will vary depending on the inherent nature of the soil; is it clay and heavy or is it sandy and light? In both cases there will be this crumb structure and evidence of earth worm castings and with the roots going deeply into the soil. You will notice how the soil clings to the root hairs of the plant.

Another indication of good soil structure is obvious evidence of earthworm castings in the sample and the mixing of the top soil with the subsoil. This is seen where the topsoil and subsoil meet and the earthworm castings blend the soils of different colours together.

7R FKHFN WKH KXPXV LQ \RXU VRLO WDNH \RXU VRLO SURÀOH DQG IHHO KRZ VOLSSHU\ WKH VRLO LV DW WKH WRS RI WKH SURÀOH ZKHQ UXEEHG EHWZHHQ RQHV ÀQJHU DQG WKXPE DQG WKHQ QRWH KRZ LW EHFRPHV JULWW\ ORZHU GRZQ LQ WKH SURÀOH 7KH VOLSSHU\ IHHO indicates the presence of humus and the gritty feel indicates lesser humus.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMUS IN THE GARDEN

11

WHAT IS HUMUS? +XPXV LV RUJDQLF FDUERQ ZKLFK LV WKH UHVXOW RI WKH ÀQDO breakdown of organic matter. Such substance is colloidal dark brown in colour and slippery to the feel.

Humus makes the soil more open and light.

It allows greater water penetrability, greater water retention and encourages deep root development.

It encourages earth worm activity.

It encourages a strong microbiological activity, like nitrogen nodulation on the roots of legumes.

THE PART THAT HUMUS PLAYS IN HEALTHY SOIL Soils that have high humus content will also have the biological activity to convert plant residues, leaf litter, animal dung and various biomasses into stable humus.

Humus gives the soil the ability to absorb and retain PRLVWXUH 6XFK VRLOV GR QRW GU\ RXW DQG UHTXLUH VLJQLÀcantly less irrigation.

Humus provides a reservoir for the plant nutrients available in the soil for balanced plant growth.

Humus plays a part in supporting soil bacteria such as rhizobacta, which is important for all legume nodulation and other well known bacteria such as the phosphate solubilizing bacteria.

The exudates from bacterial activity will result in a sticky substance called polysaccharides being released which helps bind the small soil particles into a nutty crumb structure to a depth of 30cm or more.

Humus also supports the all important mycorrhizal fungi which form a symbiotic relationship with many plants.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMUS IN THE GARDEN

12

The thread like roots, or hyphae, from these fungi, which are one micron in diameter, attach themselves to the roots of the host plant and source nutrients and moisture from long distances in exchange for carbohydrates from the plant. These mycorrhizal fungi hyphae also bind the soil and give it a good crumb structure. This good structure makes cultivation easier and creates better tilth, enabling better seed sowing and planting.

We can see these “soil forming webs� of mycorrhizal fungi hyphae if we look in the leaf mould under trees in a forest.

A singular mycorrhizal fungi can become very large and its K\SKDH DUH UHSRUWHG WR FRYHU WKH DUHD RI WZR VSRUWV Ă€HOGV These organisms also associate to form what are now being called “food websâ€? to provide food or nutrition to the plant.

On a farm it is said that the weight of the organisms in the soil is equal to the weight of the animals above the ground that the land can support.

The micro organisms are bacteria including rhizobia and azoEDFWD QLWURJHQ À[LQJ SKRVSKDWH VROXELOL]LQJ EDFWHULD P\FRUUKL]DO IXQJL DQG RWKHU EHQHÀFLDO IXQJL DOJDH DFWLQRP\Fetes, and protozoa, and there are the macro organisms such as nematodes, springtails, mites, ants, millipedes and earthworms. All these micro and macro organisms are important factors in the soil food web.

A strong biological soil life encourages an active worm population. Earthworm castings have more readily available plant nutrients for the plant than the surrounding soil itself. As obVHUYHG EHIRUH D VRLO SURĂ€OH ZLOO IHHO VPRRWK DQG VLON\ ZKHUH there is humus, as opposed to a rough sandy feel in silty, granity or volcanic soils and a sticky feel in clay soils. Usually the higher humus content is near the top few centimetres of the soil.

There are four ways that the home gardener can increase and then maintain humus in the soil:

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THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMUS IN THE GARDEN

13

1. By making and using as much Biodynamic compost as possible.

2. By growing green crops in between the growing of vegHWDEOH RU à RZHU FURSV 3. Regularly applying the biodynamic cow horn preparation 500 and CPP. 4. By applying preparation 501 to make strong plants whose leaves are carbon rich and when decomposed will add to WKH RUJDQLF FDUERQ RU LQ LWV ÀQDO IRUP KXPXV VHH &KDSter 3.)

Your local Biodynamic Association will have a supply of all these biodynamic preparations available.

The Organic farmer / gardener would practise the following management techniques to maintain such a sustainable system: ‡ Composts. Made from animal manures which are usually combined with plant materials, such as green legume crops and dry strawy material where the organic materials are converted into stable humus through a fermentation process using the biodynamic preparations 502 to 507 (see Chapter 3). ‡ Liquid Manures made from animal manures, lucerne, EHQHÀFLDO ZHHGV VHDZHHG SRZGHU RU NHOS ‡ Making a Cow Pat Pit which cow dung fermented with the biodynamic preparations 502 to 507(see Chapter 6). ‡ Growing a green manure in between crops. ‡ Practising crop rotation.

Composting the organic materials will avoid the nutrient losses from oxidation or leaching that would occur if these materials were to be applied directly on the ground. Various rock dusts can be applied through the compost heap to supply any depleted essential mineral elements like rock phosphate.

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CHAPTER

3

THE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS What does Biodynamic agriculture offer the organic gardener?

The organic gardener does everything which is more or less accepted in worldwide agricultural circles as the way of working organically. All fertility inputs will be in an organic form such as animal dung, liquid manures and composts made with a wide range of natural organic materials. The organic gardener will continue to garden as before, but experience has shown that the use of the biodynamic techniques can make all these organic processes described, work more quickly and effectively.

Biodynamics works from two poles. One pole is the importance of maintaining sustainable soil fertility in an organic way using composts, liquid manures, green cropping and mulching. Biodynamic agriculture uses a series of preparations numbered from 500 to 508 which are based on various mineral, plant, and animal substances. The use of these will enhance all the bacterial, fungal and mineral processes that are found in organic gardening systems and help to sustain the soil fertility.

The second pole is the recognition that there is a connection between plant growth and the cosmic rhythms of the sun, the Moon, the planetary movements, and their relative relationships with the Zodiac constellations. The cosmic activities can work strongly into a living soil and into the plant. This enhances the quality and life giving forces of the fruits and

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THE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS

15

vegetables we eat. The working together of these two poles is what brings about healthy and nutritious plants.

Biodynamic agriculture places great importance on the relative positions of the sun, Moon and planets in relation to the Zodiac constellations when applying the biodynamic preparations, sowing seeds, planting plants, applying liquid manures or spraying fruit trees and crops (see Chapter 4 on understanding the planting calendar). The following is a brief description of the various preparations and their function:

PREPARATION 500 - COW HORN DUNG This is known as cow horn manure, and is basically fermented cow dung. It is the basis for soil fertility, and the renewal RI GHJUDGHG VRLOV ,W LV XVXDOO\ WKH ÀUVW SUHSDUDWLRQ XVHG GXUing the change over to the biodynamic system. It helps to develop a good soil structure and works on the root development of the plant. It works with the calcium processes in the VRLO 3UHSDUDWLRQ LV PDGH E\ ÀOOLQJ D FRZ·V KRUQ ZLWK FRZ dung, and burying it in the soil during the autumn/winter period and dug up in early spring months.

Spreading Preparation 500 with hearth brush

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THE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS

16

It can be sprayed up to four times a year. The best times are in spring and then again in the autumn. It is important to apply in the late afternoon during the descending period of the Moon (see chapter 4 on understanding planting calendar).

It is used in small quantities at the rate of 25 grams in 13 litres of water per acre. It is stirred for one hour, making a vortex RU FUDWHU ÀUVW LQ RQH GLUHFWLRQ DQG WKHQ UHYHUVLQJ WKH GLUHFWLRQ and making a vortex in the other direction alternating clockwise and anti clockwise motions. Usually each movement takes approx 20 seconds the stirred preparation can then be sprinkled with a whisk brush over your garden.

With regular application, preparation 500 will give a soil all the characteristics previously discussed, such as: Strong humus formation.

Increase in all soil bacteria such as an increase in nodulation on all legumes Increases in phosphate solubilizing bacteria. ,QFUHDVH LQ DOO EHQHÀFLDO VRLO IXQJL Increase in the mycorrhizal fungi and their hyphae.

Improves the crumb structure and resultant improvement in soil tilth. This means the soil can be worked easily in preparing seed beds and for planting.

Earthworm activity is increased.

Absorption and retention of water is greater (note that international research has found that Biodynamic soils require between 25% and 50% less irrigation than conventional soils).

Deeper rooting system is developed in all plants.

It will work well in any soil type.

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THE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS

17

Preparation of Cow Horn Dung 500

Stirring Preparation 500 – note vortex

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THE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS

18

PREPARATION 501 - COW HORN SILICA 7KLV LV ÀQH TXDUW] FU\VWDOV JURXQG LQWR D SRZGHU 7KH FU\VWDO should be of good quality, shape and clarity. The powder is made into a slurry, put in a cow’s horn in a manner similar to Preparation 500, but this time it is buried during the summer months. It works with the silica processes.

When lifted in autumn it is stored in glass jar on a sunny window sill. It is used mainly during the growing season and is used at the rate of 1 gram in 13 litres of water per acre. 501 LV DSSOLHG DW VXQULVH DV D ÀQH PLVW WKDW GULIWV RYHU WKH SODQW RU tree. It is used at the beginning of a plants growth and then shortly before the harvest of the plant. It is important to note that using 501 in full sunlight will cause burning to the leaves of plants.

This spray enhances the photosynthesis of the leaf, has a strengthening effect on plant growth and as such compliments the activity of the preparation 500, which works mostly in the root zone of the plant.

Preparation 501 is best sprayed when the Moon and Saturn are in opposition which occurs once each month. At this time it will strengthen the plant against fungus and insect attack (see Chapter 4 on understanding the planting calendar).

Spraying Horn Silica 501 in mist Copyright Information © Copyright 2011 Peter Proctor / Cloud South Films Limited. All Rights Reserved.

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THE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS

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PREPARATION CLAY - COW HORN CLAY Rudolf Steiner says that Clay and Aluminium silicate are the mediators between the processes of calcium 500 and silica 501. This prepared clay has been buried in the soil in the same way and at the same time as the horn cow dung. The winter horn clay is applied in the evenings at the same time as preparation 500. This is a new preparation and it is being used at the rate of 10 grams in 13 litres of water per acre. The clay preparation appears to make 500 and 501 more effective.

PREPARATIONS 502 – 507 - COMPOST These are a series of preparations made from various medicinal herbs, in such a way as to enhance their inherent qualities.

The biodynamic compost preparations 502 / 507 are applied WR WKH FRPSRVW KHDS ZKHQ LW LV ÀUVW PDGH DQG WR DQ\ FRPpost that is brought onto the property to aid and regulate the fermentation process. They are also used in the making of liquid manure and cow pat pit. Experience in many countries using these preparations in composts and liquid manures show us that they accelerate humus formation, and as such avoid losses of valuable plant nutrients.

Remember you can get your all your requirements of Biodynamic preparations from your local Biodynamic association.

You don’t have to make them yourself.

A brief description is as follows: The Preparations 502 – 507 are made from medicinal herbs and some are made together with a particular animal part and buried in the soil much the same way as the preparation 500 is made.

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THE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS

20

502

0DGH IURP WKH ÁRZHUV RI <DUURZ $FKLOOHD PLOOLIROLXP Helps processes of Potassium [K] Sulphur [S] and trace elements Connected to planet Venus

503

0DGH IURP WKH ÁRZHUV RI *HUPDQ &KDPRPLOH 0DWULFX ria chamomilla Helps processes of Calcium [Ca] and Nitrogen [N] Connected to planet Mercury

504

Made from the leaves and stems of Stinging Nettle; Urtica dioica Helps processes of Iron [Fe] and Magnesium [Mg] Connected to planet Mars

505

Made from the bark of the European Oak; Quercus robur Helps processes of Calcium [Ca] Connected to planet Moon

506

0DGH IURP WKH ÁRZHUV RI 'DQGHOLRQ 7DUD[LFXP RIÀFL nalis Helps processes of Silica [Si] Connected to planet Jupiter

507

0DGH IURP WKH ÁRZHUV RI 9DOHULDQ 9DOHULDQD RIÀFLQDOLV Helps processes of Phosphorus [P] Connected to planet Saturn

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THE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS

21

PREPARATION 508 - EQUISETUM ARVENSE Preparation 508 is the dried foliage of Equisetum arvense, more commonly known as Horse Tail. It is silica rich can be used as a tea to control fungus starting in the early season and continuing until harvest.

Gently boil ten grams of the dried herb in 2 litres of water for twenty minutes. Let it stand for two days. The tincture is diluted 1 to 9 and sprayed regularly onto the soil in the early spring at the rate of 40 litres per acre or 10 litres for ¼ of an acre.

The Australian She oak or Casurina stricta is commonly used around the world as a shelter and shade tree. It has high silica content in the leaf and can be used if there is a shortage of Equisetum. It is prepared in the same way as Equisetum arvense as described above or made into liquid manure.

The Equisetum 508 is best sprayed during the humid times of the Moon’s cycle which is just before full Moon and at perigee (see Chapter 4 understanding the planting calendar).

A full description of how to make and how to use Cow horn dung, Cow horn silica, Cow horn clay, the making of the compost preparations 502 – 507 and how to use them in making compost, liquid manures and cow pat pit preparations is given in the book “Grasp the Nettle” How to make Biodynamic Agriculture Work, by Peter Proctor. Published Random House (2004).

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THE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS

22

SEQUENTIAL SPRAYING 6HTXHQWLDO VSUD\LQJ LV ZKHQ WKH JDUGHQHU EULQJV WKH LQÁXHQFHV or effects of all the preparations into the garden over a short space of time. This is usually done during a two day period.

Doing so appears to make a big difference to the growth of all plants in the garden.

Start one evening by stirring and sprinkling the ground with preparation 500 together with the cow pat pit which is made using the compost preparations 502 to 507 (see chapter 5 for the making of a cow pat pit).

The following morning stir and spray as a mist over the plants the silica preparation 501.

That evening the cow horn clay is stirred and sprinkled on the ground.

Then the following morning Equisetum 508 is applied.

I like to start this sequence by applying cow horn preparation 500 and the cow pat pit on the evening before the Moon is opposite Saturn. Then 501 will be sprayed at the Moon opposite Saturn which is the right time for the strengthening of the plant.

Leeks growing well –planted in early Jan

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THE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS

23

CROP ROTATION Planned crop rotation is an essential part of a sustainable sysWHP SDUWLFXODUO\ LQ PDUNHW JDUGHQLQJ RU Ă&#x20AC;HOG FURSSLQJ 5RWDtion of crops will control weeds and there will be less build up of fungus and insects. It also allows a build up of a wide range of plant nutrients and wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lead to any serious trace HOHPHQW GHĂ&#x20AC;FLHQFLHV

Sweetcorn, Tomatoes, Dwarf Beans

ESSENTIAL PLANT NUTRIENTS Maintenance of essential plant nutrients, in particular phosphate, is important. This can be added in a natural form, as Rock Phosphate, either on a growing green crop or through a compost heap, as previously mentioned. If Calcium is needed it can be added through compost as a light dressing of hydrated lime. Agricultural lime can be used through a compost heap if the soil is acidic.

Using cow manure and seaweed regularly through composts and liquid manures will maintain trace elements.

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THE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS

24

SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 3 Apply preparation 500 in spring and autumn in the afternoon during a descending period of the Moon.

Use one portion 25g of 500 in 13 litres clean unpolluted water and stirred for one hour. Sprinkle over your garden with a hearth brush. Maintains good soil structure and encourages earth worms.

Apply preparation 501 early in the morning at sunrise near the time of the Moon opposite Saturn. Use one portion 1 gram of 501 in 13 litres of water stirred for one hour. Spray as a mist over the plants.

Use cow horn clay as a mediator between 500 and 501.

Use as part of the sequential spray. Use the compost preparations 502 to 507 in all composts, liquid manures or cow pat pits that you make. They help order the fermentation and break down of the organic matter.

Look to using the sequential spray of all the preparations.

Remember that you can buy the preparations that you need from your nearest Biodynamic Association.

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CHAPTER

4

UNDERSTANDING THE PLANTING CALENDAR This should be used in conjunction with the planting calendars produced by your local biodynamic association, VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;F WR \RXU FRXQWU\ DQG KHPLVSKHUH 7KH 0RRQ VRODU planetary, and constellation rhythms that are considered when working with the planting and sowing calendar are described as follows:

FULL MOON Waxing (new to full) and Waning (full to new) Occurs approx every 29 1/2 days. Â&#x2021; In the 48 hours leading up to full Moon there appears a distinct increase in the moisture content of the earth. The growth forces of the plants seem to be enhanced. Â&#x2021; The full Moon period is connected with the growth tendency of the plant with quick germination of seeds, fast growth and a rapid re-growth of any cut, mown or pruned vegetation. There appears to be quicker cell division and tendency towards elongation of growth. Â&#x2021; Seed germination is fast but may be soft and prone to fungus attack, particularly in warm conditions and high humidity. Â&#x2021; 7KH LQĂ XHQFH RI WKH IXOO 0RRQ DSSHDUV WR SURYLGH IDYRXUable conditions for the growth of fungus on all plants. Â&#x2021; There is an increase in insect activity, particularly slugs and snails, and internal worm parasites in humans and animals.

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UNDERSTANDING THE PLANTING CALENDAR

26

These conditions allow for good absorption of liquid manures.

Often there is a tendency for rain at full Moon.

ACTIVITIES CONNECTED WITH FULL MOON Sow seeds at times of low humidity and warmth (48 hours before) Apply liquid manures (48 hours before) Fungus control - Spray with Equisetum tincture and spray with 501 early morning.

Insect control -watch out for chewing and sucking insects.

Look at using a Garlic/Ginger/Chilli pepper spray, natural pyrethrum, stinging nettle liquid mixed with 5% cow urine, neem oil or thuricide.

Surround plants with diatomaceous earth (available from swimming pool suppliers).

Drench animals for internal parasites 48 hours before full Moon on an empty stomach with garlic and cider vinegar.

ACTIVITIES CONNECTED WITH THE NEW MOON Avoid sowing seeds Avoid felling trees for timber Traditional Indian agriculture calls the day before a new Moon as ‘no Moon day’, a day on which no agricultural work is done.

MOON AND SATURN IN OPPOSITION Occurs every 27.5 days This is when the Moon and Saturn are positioned on opposite sides of the earth and their forces are raying in to the earth

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UNDERSTANDING THE PLANTING CALENDAR

27

from each direction. The Moon forces bring calcium processes which are connected to propagation and growth forms, while the Saturn forces bring silica processes which are connected to building up substance of the plant in root, leaf and IUXLW 7KH EDODQFLQJ HIIHFW RI WKHVH WZR LQÁXHQFHV VWUHDPLQJ into the earth produce very strong plants from seed sown at this time. It has been found that spraying with Preparation 501 at this time strengthens the plant to the extent that it can resist plant diseases and certain insect attacks. It can also increase nutritional quality, taste and shelf life after harvest.

ACTIVITIES CONNECTED WITH MOON OPPOSITE SATURN. Seed sowing and transplanting Spray with 501 at sunrise on the day or the day before the Moon opposes Saturn for fungus. For example, mildew and botrytis on grapes, rust on oats, mildew on tamarillos, blight on tomatoes and potatoes, greasy spot on passion fruit and mildew on curcubits. Please note that 501 is not a fungicide, rather it strengthens the plant to help it overcome the fungus.

Preparation 501 used at this time improves the quality, taste and shelf life of all fruits and vegetables after harvest

Spraying 501 in early morning, Moon opposite Saturn.

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MOON IN ZODIAC CONSTELLATIONS Occurs every 27.3 days 7KH ]RGLDF LV D EHOW RI À[HG VWDUV ZKLFK DUH LQ JURXSLQJV ZH call constellations. This belt ranges behind the ecliptic path of the Sun. All the planets including the Moon move in front of the zodiac constellations.

The Moon passes in front of the complete circle of the constellations every 27.3 days. Because the constellations are of different sizes, the Moon moves in front of each between one and a half and three and a half days. As the Moon passes in front of the different constellations it will focus certain favourable conditions to the plants. The zodiac constellations bring an emphasis of the four elements. The constellations and the element they represent are as follows: : EARTH ELEMENT Root development Moon in front of Virgo – Capricorn – Taurus WATER ELEMENT Leaf development Moon in Cancer – Scorpio – Pisces AIR AND LIGHT ELEMENT Flower development Moon in Gemini – Libra – Aquarius WARMTH ELEMENT Seed Development and Fruit Development Moon in Leo – Sagittarius – Aries The times of Moon passing through the Zodiac are given in annual planting calendars produced by biodynamic associaCopyright Information © Copyright 2011 Peter Proctor / Cloud South Films Limited. All Rights Reserved.

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WLRQV DURXQG WKH ZRUOG 7KH LQĂ XHQFHV RI WKH SDUWLFXODU FRQstellations are brought into the soil through cultivation at the appropriate time, particularly where the soil is fertile and alive through biodynamic management. Germinating seeds also UHFHLYH WKHVH LQĂ XHQFHV VR LI LW LV GHVLUHG WR SURPRWH FHUWDLQ LQĂ XHQFHV RQH VRZV WKH VHHG DQG FXOWLYDWHV GXULQJ WKH IDYRXUDEOH FRQVWHOODWLRQ SHULRG 7KHVH LQĂ XHQFHV FDQ DOVR EH brought to the plant by spraying 501 at the appropriate time.

ASCENDING AND DESCENDING OF THE MOON Occurs every 27.3 days.

The Moonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily path across the sky as seen from the earth is not always the same. Sometimes it is higher in the sky, sometimes lower, similar to the sun during its yearly cycle from summer to winter; the Moon goes through this cycle each month.

The Sun passes in front of the twelve zodiac constellations during the course of a year, from Gemini to Sagittarius, (mid winter to midsummer) which is ascending, and from Capricorn to Taurus, (midsummer to mid winter) which is descending.

The Moon moves in an arc from East to West and when these arcs get higher every day, the Moon is ascending and when they get lower every day the Moon is descending. The Moon takes 27.3 days to complete this cycle, each ascending and descending period lasting about two weeks. Please note that this is not the same rhythm as the new Moon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; full Moon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; new Moon rhythm which lasts 29.5 days.

The effects of the ascending and descending period can be compared to gestures presented by the seasons. An ascending period is much like the spring and summer of the year where the earth â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;breaths outâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. This is seen as an outpouring of

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30

growth activity above the soil surface where the life forces and VDSV ÁRZ XSZDUGV DQG ÀOO WKH SODQW ZLWK YLWDOLW\ $OWKRXJK germination takes place below the ground, it also takes part in this upward striving. This is time to spray preparation 501.

The descending period on the other hand is related to the activity below the soil surface and can be compared with the autumn/winter time of year. The earth ‘breathes in’ and draws growth forces back down below the soil surface. Lower parts of the plant, especially the roots, are activated. This is the time for cultivation, composting and transplanting, also the time to apply preparation 500.

Tomatoes sown Moon opposite Saturn. Planted in pots during descending period.

ACTIVITIES CONNECTED WITH ASCENDING PERIOD Sow all seeds using the appropriate constellation and cultivate at the appropriate constellation before sowing.

For cereals For Fruits For Leaf For Flower For Roots

Warmth Warmth Water Air / Light Earth

Leo Sagittarius Cancer and Scorpio Gemini and Libra Virgo

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31

Â&#x2021; Spray with 501 at early stages of growth when the plant is recognisable and using appropriate constellation. Â&#x2021; Harvest on an Air / Light constellation: - Fruit and Vegetables (however not root vegetables) - Plants for making medicines - Flowers and plants for preparation making

ACTIVITIES CONNECTED WITH DESCENDING PERIOD Â&#x2021; Spray preparation 500 in autumn and early spring in the afternoon when the soil is warm Â&#x2021; Transplant seedlings and trees Â&#x2021; Make and spread compost Â&#x2021; Make and plant cuttings Â&#x2021; Cultivate soil at appropriate constellation time Â&#x2021; Harvest root crops for storage on an Earth day e.g. Taurus Â&#x2021; Prune all fruit trees in the appropriate season on fruit day e.g. Aries Â&#x2021; 3UXQH Ă RZHULQJ WUHHV VKUXEV DQG URVHV RQ D Ă RZHULQJ day e.g. Aquarius

NODES Occur approximately every 14 days Moon node cycles occur at the point where the Moonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s path crosses the path of the sun during ascending and descending. There is an ascending node and a descending node every month. This rhythm occurs every 27.2 days, so there is a node DSSUR[LPDWHO\ HYHU\ GD\V 7KH LQĂ XHQFH RI WKH QRGH ODVWV for around 6 hours either side. The Moon while crossing in IURQW RI WKH VXQ ZLOO QHJDWH WKH VXQ¡V EHQHĂ&#x20AC;FLDO LQĂ XHQFH IRU WKLV EULHI SHULRG 7KLV QHJDWLYH LQĂ XHQFH ZRUNV LQWR VRLO EH Copyright Information Š Copyright 2011 Peter Proctor / Cloud South Films Limited. All Rights Reserved.

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UNDERSTANDING THE PLANTING CALENDAR

32

ing freshly cultivated at the time of the node. Avoid any agricultural or horticultural work at the node. The effect is similar to that of an eclipse of the Sun by the Moon.

APOGEE AND PERIGEE Occurs every 27.5 days The Moon moves around the earth in an ellipse. The Moon’s nearest point to the earth on the ellipse is called Perigee and the further most point is called Apogee.

At Apogee it appears to be a good time to plant potatoes as there seems to be a multiplicity of form (meaning more potatoes) where as at Perigee fewer potatoes are produced, but grow bigger.

At Perigee, when the Moon is closest, there is greater moisture and a tendency towards fungus growth. Look out for a perigee at full Moon as both bring moisture to the earth and thus the tendency to fungus is very strong. Use preparation 501. Apogee and Perigee times bring a stress period and seed sowing should be avoided 12 hours on either side of these times (except the planting of potatoes at Apogee).

ACTIVITIES CONNECTED TO MOON RHYTHMS 500 APPLICATION - During a descending period - In the afternoon - In the spring or in autumn 501 APPLICATION - During an ascending period at the beginning of the plant’s growth, and later just before harvest or close to when the Moon is in opposition to Saturn. This will bring quality, taste and a longer shelf life. It will also strengthen the plant against fungus.

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33

SEED SOWING 7KH IROORZLQJ WLPHV KDYH EHHQ IRXQG WR EH EHQHÀFLDO Moon opposite Saturn Full Moon 48 hours before During an ascending period (avoiding node, apogee, perigee and the new Moon) Sow at the following times for the particular constellation effect on the ascending period: Air Light Water Warmth Warmth Earth

Flower Leaf Fruits Seeds Roots

Gemini and Libra Cancer and Scorpio Sagittarius Leo Virgo

TRANSPLANTING Seedlings, container grown plants, trees and shrubs at the descending period at the appropriate season COMPOST MAKING Best during descending period.

COMPOST SPREADING Spread during descending period in autumn or early spring, depending on soil conditions and crop requirements.

CULTIVATION & SOIL PREPARATION Best during the descending period. Where weather and soil conditions permit. Please note that cultivation of the soil when it is wet can cause structural damage.

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34

HARVESTING We have found that all crops keep better and maintain quality in storage if harvested during the air/ light period on the ascending Moon (like Gemini or Aquarius).

Avoid harvesting at full Moon, perigee and on leaf days (Cancer and Scorpio) - these are times of more water in the earth so crops would hold too much water for satisfactory storage. If seeds are to be saved, or grains harvested, choose a period when the Moon is in Leo. Roots and Potatoes should be harvested in a descending period when the Moon is in an earth constellation like Taurus.

LIQUID MANURE APPLICATION The best time is just before full Moon in the afternoon. Liquid manures can be used several times during the growth of the crop.

POTATO PLANTING Best done at Apogee. Usually at this time there are good numbers of medium size potatoes produced.

Also there is often a resistance to the potato tuber moth.

FULL MOON AND PERIGEE These are stress times and because of this they bring D ZDWHU\ LQÁXHQFH WR WKH HDUWK DQG FDQ OHDG WR IXQJXV attacks, especially during warmer weather from spring to autumn. Spray with Equisetum on days prior to and during these times. Spray with 501 in the early morning when the Moon is opposite Saturn, which will strengthen the plant to resist fungus.

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35

PRUNING Prune all fruit trees and berry shrubs on the descending Moon in the appropriate season. If possible choose a warm constellation time like Aries which ZLOO HQFRXUDJH IUXLW EXG IRUPDWLRQ 3UXQH DOO ÁRZHUing shrubs and roses in the appropriate season at the descending Moon. If possible choose an air/light day e.g. Aquarius.

OTHER ASTRONOMICAL RHYTHMS WHICH APPEAR ON THE PLANTING CALENDAR SUN Knowing the sun’s position in the zodiac is important for the peppering of insects.

OTHER ASPECTS This shows the positions of the planets (including the Moon) in relationship to one another. These can be useful in endeavouring to determine and studying weather patterns. It is useful to make notes of each day’s weather and check with the various planets position in the constellations.

In the New Zealand Biodynamic calendar there is no adjustment made for daylight savings time.

PEPPERING Guidelines are provided for those interested in using the methods of peppering to reduce the incidence of weeds, insects and rodents as indicated by Rudolf Steiner.

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36

WEEDS Seeds of nuisance weeds which are ripe and viable should be burnt at Full Moon or when the Moon is in Leo. The seeds are put in a small tin and placed in YHU\ KRW ÀUH 7KH UHVXOWDQW DVK LV PL[HG ZLWK ÀQH VDQG or wood ash and spread over the land or potentised to a D6 or D8 and should be spread at Full Moon, and perhaps several times in the year. This also applies to burning runners of the roots of weeds like couch grass or the bindweed (morning glory) and then spreading the ash over the affected area. Please note that the potentizing can be done by a homeopath. It is also important to remember that some weeds are benHÀFLDO DQG DUH DFFXPXODWRUV RI WUDFH HOHPHQWV 7KHVH should not be peppered but made into liquid manure.

INSECTS Insects are burnt in a similar way to weeds but here they are burnt at the time when the sun is in various Zodiac constellations. The effect ranges from when the sun is in Aquarius to when the Sun is in Cancer.

You will need to know the life cycle of the insect you are trying to deter, and then determine in which environment it spends the majority of time. E.g. the grass grub spends most of its life in the earth, so one would choose an earth constellation, like Taurus. The comPRQ KRXVH Á\ RU PRVTXLWR VSHQGV PRVW RI LWV OLIH LQ a watery environment in the larva stage, so one would choose a water constellation, like Pisces or Cancer.

If there are no insects around at the time for burning you will need to save some from where they are prevalent. Here are a few examples: Sun in Taurus is best for all hard shelled insects Sun in Gemini is best for fruit moths or ants

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37

Sun in Cancer is best for snails and slugs, mosTXLWRHV DQG ÁLHV 0DULD 7KXQ KDV DGGHG WKH UHÀQHPHQW RI XVLQJ WKH Moon in the constellation as well as the Sun for burning the insect. For instance, if one is to burn a hard shelled insect, choose when both the Sun and the moon are in Taurus. The resultant ash can be potentised to D6 or D8 or the ash can be mixed with milk sugar or wood ashes and spread. The insect pepper should be applied regularly throughout the season.

RODENTS Rudolf Steiner suggests burning the skin of rodents when Venus is in conjunction with Scorpio. This occurs in a period of three weeks any time from between PLG 2FWREHU DQG ÀUVW ZHHN LQ -DQXDU\ 7KH EXUQW VNLQ can be ground up and mixed with ash, or milk sugar and sprinkled lightly over the infected areas, or the ash can be potentised to D6 or D8 and can also be sprinkled over.

Roses and vegetables

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CHAPTER

5

MAKING A COMPOST HEAP An average sized home garden on a Âź acre section ZRXOG UHTXLUH EHWZHHQ DQG FXELF PHWUHV RI Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG FRPSRVW SHU \HDU IRU YHJHWDEOHV Ă RZHUV DQG IUXLWV 7KDW ZRXOG EH one heap 4 metres long 1.5 m wide and 1 metre high.

It is easiest to make four heaps during the year, each 2 metres long, 1 metre wide and 1 metre high, which will each \LHOG DSSUR[LPDWHO\ RQH PHWUH RI Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG FRPSRVW 7KLV means a heap being made every two months during summer and autumn, which is the time when there is plenty of waste crop materials available. Making good compost can be greatly helped by sourcing any non-chemically contaminated animal manure, like cow or sheep dung which bring in nitrogen to feed the bacteria which break down the organic materials. If there is no animal dung available you can use the nitrogen fertilizer Blood and Bone. You will also need half a bale of organically or biodynamically grown straw or hay per small compost.

The heap is best built as a windrow and turned regularly, around every six weeks. This will aerate the heap and it also will give you a chance to check moisture content. The compost should be ready in about four months depending on the ambient temperature.

All composts require similar basic materials. There are two types of materials that are used in every heap. The protienaceous are materials which have high levels of protein which will form into organic nitrogen, like grass clippings or animal

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dung. Materials which contain a lot of carbon are known as carbonaceous, such as straw or dry autumn leaves. These are sometimes called wet (protein) and dry (carbon) and are used in the proportion of 60% protein and 40% carbon.

Some materials available in early summer: PROTEIN Lawn clippings Weeds and fresh green grasses and leaves /HJXPH JUHHQ FURSV VXFK DV EURDG EHDQV EHIRUH ÁRZering and blue lupines Shoots and young branches of legume trees such as tree lucern Kitchen scraps Animal dung CARBON Crop wastes from late winter vegetable plants e.g. broad beans or other legume plants such as sweet pea vines or green pea plants Hedge cuttings and pruning Straw or Hay Shredded wood pruning Some materials available in autumn: PROTEIN Lawn clippings Weeds and green grasses and green leaves.

Kitchen scraps Animal Dung

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CARBON Autumn leaves Chopped up prunings from fruit trees Crop wastes from summer vegetable crops e.g. brassica stalks or pea or bean plants, sweet corn stalks Shredded wood chips Straw or hay

Lawn clippings & barley straw.

GREEN MATERIALS – AIR AND MOISTURE MAKE WARMTH Attention must be given to the aeration of the compost heap.

Without air, the heap won’t heat up and it will become anaerobic and smelly. Firming the material down too much will exclude the air so try to keep the layers loose. Building an air tunnel at the bottom of the heap with layers of hay from a bale, or corn talks will stop the heap from settling down too much.

To have a successful fermentation, attention must be given to getting the right amount of protein plant or dung material, the right amount of moisture and the right air content. The temperature will then rise to about 60c.

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Compost is best made in a layering technique. The carbonaceous layer should be about 10cm deep, alternating with the protein layer about 15cm deep. In this way the protein of the green will supply the nitrogen that bacteria require for their growth to break down the carbon material.

Care must be taken that the dry carbon material is moist enough. It is best to dampen down any dry material before it is put on to the heap. The dry material can be dipped into water in a barrow allowing excess water to drain off. Testing to assess proper moisture content is achieved by checking that water can drip from the material when it is squeezed in the hand. The animal dung should be made into a slurry and watered onto the carbon layer. This will bring the animal effect into the compost and also feed the micro-organisms which will break down the dry material.

Apply hydrated lime to the green vegetation layer. You will need only a dusting, like sugar on porridge. Most soils need extra phosphate. This can be addressed by applying rock phosphate to the heap. Approx 5 kgs per one cubic metre sprinkled on the carbon layer. The compost should develop phosphate solubilizing bacteria which will gently work on the rock and make the phosphate available.

Compost Yard â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wheel barrow, kitchen scraps bin, grass & leaves, barrel of cow dung slurry, bale of straw.

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42

COMPOST SITE It is best to make compost where there is shade. Such trees DV .RZKDL 6LOYHU ELUFK DQG $OGHU DUH EHQHĂ&#x20AC;FLDO WR FRPSRVW making and will provide valuable shade during the hot dry summer months. Avoid building heaps under trees with rampant roots eg. Willow or Pinus radiata as the roots will invade the compost.

MAKING A HOME COMPOST HEAP 1.

Mark out the size of the heap. In this case the heap will be 1.5 metres wide, 2 metres long and 1 metre high.

2.

Make an air tunnel using thin blocks of straw from the bale down the middle of the heap.

Tunnel of straw.

3.

Make a foundation bed of wet hay 10 cm deep over the proposed size of the heap. The straw is best wet before it is put onto the heap. Fill a barrow with water and use this to dunk the straw into Allow it to drain off and then put it on the heap. Any dry material is wet enough when water can be just squeezed out of it.

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43

Wetting straw in barrow.

4. over.

Next sprinkle some slurry on the straw. Just lightly

Slurry on layer of straw.

Cow dung slurry & compost

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5.

Put on a thick layer of green lawn clippings, about 15cm deep. This will begin to generate warmth through out the heap. Apply a sprinkle of hydrated lime over the green.

The lime will hold the life force of the green material while it is breaking down.

Hydrated lime on lawn clippings.

6.

Put on a 10 cm layer of straw followed by more slurry.

Follow with 15cm of green vegetable wastes - old runner and dwarf bean plants and any grasses or weeds. Place any weeds that are seeding in the middle of the heap with their roots to the outside so that their seeds will germinate and die within the heat of the heap and thus help towards weed free compost. Apply a dusting of hydrated lime over the green. Then another layer of straw and another sprinkle of slurry. Apply a layer of kitchen scraps on the straw which have been accumulating in a covered bin since the last compost was made, perhaps two months ago.

These scraps have been sprinkled with Cow Pat Pit. Also add some dry leaves. The compost worms Eisena foedita are very active in these scraps.

Layer of compost scraps â&#x20AC;&#x201C; compost worms.

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45

Decomposing kitchen scraps can also have a light dusting of hydrated lime. Continue on with the layers in order: Green material either of lawn clippings or garden weeds long grass and chopped vegetable plants eg brassicas or hedge clippings sprinkled with hydrated lime.

Dry material either straw or dry garden wastes i.e.chopped up sweet corn stalks.

Runner bean vines or autumn leaves. Always use the slurry Any more kitchen scraps if we have them. :KHQ WKH GHVLUHG KHLJKW LV UHDFKHG ÀQLVK RII ZLWK D OD\HU of old compost.

Compost nearly completed.

Add in the Biodynamic compost preparations 502 to 507. The preparations 502 to 506 are put separately into a small ball of compost. One gram of preparation for each ball. Then they DUH LQVHUWHG LQWR ÀYH KROHV DORQJ WKH VLGH RI WKH KHDS DERXW 15 cm deep.

10mls of preparation 507 Valerian is mixed in 3 litres of rain water for 10 minutes (in alternating vortices) and one half of this is poured into two holes on the top of the heap with the remaining sprinkled over and around the heap. As cow pat pit

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46

is made using the compost preparations 502 – 507 it is possible to use cow pat pit liquid as an inoculant which is sprinkled on each layer of material while building the heap. Use 200 grams of CPP in 40 litres water stirred for 10 minutes and sprinkle approx 5 litres on each layer. If there is a known GHÀFLHQF\ RI SKRVSKRURXV XVH URFN SKRVSKDWH RQ RQH RI WKH layers of dry of the slurry. 10kg would be enough for a home garden for a period of three or four years.

Preparations into old compost.

3XWWLQJ SUHSDUDWLRQV LQWR ÀQLVKHG FRPSRVW SLOH

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The heap will start to heat up after two days. It can reach 60C and will gradually level out to about 40C after two weeks. :KHQ ÀQLVKHG WKH KHDS FDQ EH FRYHUHG ZLWK KHVVLDQ VDFNV WR keep in the warmth and to stop it drying out in hot weather.

If heavy rain is imminent use a tarpaulin to keep out the rain.

The heap should be turned after six weeks which will aerate it and also check if the material needs more water. The heap should smell nice with no Ammonia aroma. It should be ready to use in about four months.

A good rule while building the compost is to look after the edges and corners then the middle looks after itself. In this ZD\ ZH ÀQLVK ZLWK D QHDW KHDS ZLWK QR OXPSV RU EXPSV ZKHUH the heap could lose moisture. ,I FRZ GXQJ LV QRW DYDLODEOH WR PDNH VOXUU\ WU\ WR ÀQG VRPH poultry manure from a free range organic poultry farm. Preferably collect the straw dung from the overnight shelters.

Make this into slurry and apply it in the same way as with the cow dung slurry. If there is no animal manure available sprinkle blood and bone fertilizer on to the moist layer of straw as nourishment for the bacteria. Blood and bone has been heated to a high temperature during its manufacture and this treatment would break down many of the residuals that could be in it.

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SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 5 Compost is the best way to maintain Humus Good compost can be made using protein materials (such as lawn clippings and fresh green grasses and weeds and any animal dung) and carbonaceous materials (such as straw or hay, hedge cuttings and pruning’s, dry crop wastes, shredded wood chips).

For a good break down compost needs air, moisture and green material, which will make warmth.

Start building the heap with an air tunnel with thin blocks of straw down the middle followed by layers of damp straw, cow dung slurry on the straw, thick layer of green lawn clippings with a sprinkling of Hydrated Lime, more damp straw, sprinkle cow dung slurry, 15cm of vegetable wastes, more damp straw or old vegetable wastes, slurry, lawn clippings. Add preparations 502 to 507.

Turn heap after 6 weeks and again in another 6 weeks.

Check moisture Site is important. Avoid trees with hungry roots and build in shady spot.

Mature compost forked into soil before sowing or planting.

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CHAPTER

6

MAKING A COW PAT PIT If Cow manure is in plentiful supply it is a good idea to make a cow pat pit (CPP). This is cow manure which has been mixed with crushed egg shell and basalt dust and put into a 90cm x 60 cm pit, 30cm deep and lined with bricks.

Cow Pat Pit the dung should only be one brick deep. It is fermented using one portion each of the preparations 502 – 506 which are put into small holes on the surface of the dung and a portion of 507 which is mixed in 5 litres of water and sprinkled over the surface of the dung. The pit is covered with a hessian sack and the dung is allowed to ferment as a type of specialized compost. It should be protected from the hot sun and heavy rain using a tarpaulin for shelter.

The process takes 4 to 6 months to break down, depending on the temperature. When ready it should be well decomSRVHG ZLWK D VRIW ÀQH VWUXFWXUH :KHQ PDWXUH LW LV PL[HG with water at the rate of 200grams per 1/4acre, in 40 litres of water stirred for 10 minutes. It is very used: As a foliar feed each month To inoculate compost with the preparations. Sprinkle two buckets of the CPP water on each layer while building Applied to tree bark to stimulate the cambium growth As a spray over roses and fruit trees to help heal pruning cuts As a seed bath For Soaking cuttings to enhance root development For dipping Seed potatoes for 5 minutes before planting to help control late blight.

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50

Stirred with cowhorn dung preparation 500, also to spray RQ WKH ODQG WR JHW WKH LQÁXHQFHV RI WKH FRPSRVW SUHSDUDtions 502 – 507 over the land. Use 25grams of 500 and 100grams CPP in 13 litres of water per acre. Stir for 1 hour as previously described With biodynamic cow horn silica preparation 501 as part of the sequential application of the biodynamic sprays.

The general rate of use is to mix 200 grams (about two heaped handfuls) in 40 litres of rain water for ¼ acre. It should be stirred for 15 minutes in a similar way that preparation 500 is stirred. Strain the liquid through a muslin cloth and spray it over the plants and the surrounding soil or sprinkle it over the land.

The idea of fermenting cow dung in such a way came from Maria Thun in Dexbach in northern Germany. She is well known in Biodynamic circles for her work with the planting FDOHQGDU 6KH PDGH WKH ÀUVW IHUPHQWHG FRZ GXQJ ZLWK WKH biodynamic compost preps in a barrel and it was known as barrel compost. You can often buy your cow pat pit from your local Biodynamic Association.

Cow Pat Pit showing brick construction – note the bottom of pit is bare earth.

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MAKING A COW PAT PIT

51

SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 6 The Cow Pat Pit is a very good way to bring strong biodynamic activity into your garden. Because it contains many SODQW JURZWK KRUPRQHV DQG D ZLGH UDQJH RI EHQHÀFLDO EDFWHria and fungi it can be used in many garden activities.

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CHAPTER

7

MAKING A LIQUID MANURE A 50 litre food grade plastic drum or bucket will be big enough for a ¼ acre home garden for any of the liquid manures. Do not use a steel drum as these will rust and the rust in the water would affect the fermentation.

A large number of different liquid manures can be made in the garden from locally available plant materials, cow dung or seaweed which is fermented with preparations 502 – 507.

Generally the liquid manures take from 8 to 12 weeks to be ready, depending on the temperature, the warmer the weather the faster the ferment. In all cases use the preparations Yarrow 502, Chamomile 503, Nettle 504, Oak bark 505, Dandelion 506 and Valerian 507.

When inserting the preparations into the liquid, make little “boats” out of a large leaf or half rotted straw. Fold the preparations up inside these and tie them up with a cotton thread DQG ÁRDW WKHVH OLWWOH ´ERDWVµ ZLWK D SUHSDUDWLRQ LQ HDFK RQH RQ WKH VXUIDFH RI WKH OLTXLG 7KH\ VKRXOG ÁRDW MXVW VOLJKWO\ below the surface of the liquid. The forces of these herbal preparations will penetrate through the liquid. Then 10mls of Valerian 507 is stirred (in alternating vortices) in one litre of rain water for 10 minutes and poured into the liquid.

Cover the barrel with a hessian sack to stop evaporation and place in a warm shady area. After two weeks the liquid manure can be stirred for one minute every day or every second day. The stirring will help aerate the water and assist the fermentation.

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MAKING A LIQUID MANURE

53

After 8 weeks it should have a sweet smell and be ready to use. Apply by diluting one litre of the manure with nine litres of water and use over the whole garden. Liquid manures are used as a plant tonic and can be sprayed or sprinkled over leaves and the ground. They can be applied fortnightly, and with tomatoes it can be used weekly. It is good to apply liquid manures two days before full Moon.

SEAWEED Chopped kelp off the beach makes excellent seaweed liquid as it can supply a wide range of major and trace elements to garden plants. King Neptune’s necklace does not break down easily and sea lettuce has very little substance. Which seaweed you use will depend on availability. Bull kelp is also a great variety to use if you can get it.

7KH NHOS FDQ EH GULHG DQG FXW LW XS TXLWH ÀQH RU LW FDQ EH cut up while still wet. Fill one third to one half of a drum or EXFNHW ZLWK WKLV VHDZHHG DQG WKHQ ÀOO WKH GUXP DOPRVW WR WKH top with rain water. Do not use water that is chlorinated or KDV KDG ÁXRULGH DGGHG 2WKHUZLVH XVH D ORFDOO\ PDGH VHDZHHG meal (not imported). In the case of seaweed powder add 4kg of to 50 litres of water, making the powder into a paste beIRUH ÀOOLQJ WKH GUXP RU EXFNHW XS

LIQUID COW MANURE Make this wonderful tonic by using one third of a drum of cow dung to a full drum of water, and adding the preparations as above. Usual rate of application of all the liquid manures is one to ten that is one litre of liquid manure to nine litres of water per ¼ acre.

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MAKING A LIQUID MANURE

54

Liquid manure barrel

PLANT MATERIALS Plants such as stinging nettles, lucern, casurina and various weeds are some of the options for liquid manures. The methRG LV WR ÀOO WKH GUXP ð IXOO ZLWK WKH SODQW PDWHULDO DQG FRYHU with water. Add preparations and dilutions as above.

SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 7 It is very easy to make the liquid brew. It can be used at fortnightly intervals as a foliar feed for vegetables and ÁRZHUV IRU VWURQJ HDUO\ JURZWK DQG LW FDQ EH XVHG DV D plant tonic.

Made from such materials as cow dung, seaweed meal and plant materials like stinging nettle, lucern, green crops and various weeds.

It is always made using the Biodynamic preparations and LV D JRRG ZD\ RI EULQJLQJ WKH LQÁXHQFHV RI WKH ELRG\namic preparations to the plants and to the soil.

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CHAPTER

8

GREEN MANURE CROPPING Green manures are fast growing legumes and or grasses, like blue lupin, vetch, rye corn or black oats, grown during the autumn and winter months. Digging them into the soil in spring is a great way to increase organic matter, resulting in increased humus in the soil. This plays a very important role in maintaining and improving soil fertility. Green manure can be dug into the soil within 12 to 16 weeks of sowing or, if land availability permits, it can be left for longer, but it should EH GXJ LQ EHIRUH Ă RZHULQJ $OWHUQDWLYHO\ WKH SODQWV FDQ EH grown on for a while and used for compost or liquid manure.

After digging in, allow three weeks for the crop to break down before you sow your next crop. Applying a soil spray of cow pat pit will assist the breakdown. Green manure crops can also be grown in the spring after the winter vegetables have been harvested. They mature much quicker at this time of the year and will be ready to dig within 8 to 10 weeks.

It is a good idea to apply compost before sowing your green crop which will do two things: 1. Grow more bulk of material in your crop 2. Provide an active microbial life to assist the conversion of your green material into humus when it is dug in Growing green crops prevents the leaching of soil nutrients in the wet winter months; it will also stimulate biological activity. If it is possible always apply preparation 500 and cow

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GREEN MANURE CROPPING

56

pat pit before sowing. This will encourage strong nitrogen root nodulation activity in legumes. Sow seeds at the Moon opposite Saturn to ensure good germination and strong growth.

Green manures help to control insect pests and weeds and will prevent excess water runoff during wet periods. Green manures can be grown at the end of the growing season or in between crops. Remember to dig your green crop in before it ÁRZHUV DV WKH PD[LPXP OHDI SURWHLQV DUH LQ WKH SODQW EHIRUH the seeding process begins.

Some of the legume species which are suitable for quick growth: Blue lupin Broad bean Tic bean Vetch Green peas Dwarf beans

+ + + +

# # # #

These can be sown with: Oats Rye Corn Barley Wheat Buck wheat Mustard Phacelia French Marigold

+ + # # # # # #

Nodules on Blue Lupins.

+ #

sow in Autumn sow in Spring

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Care needs be taken that crop rotation also applies to green cropping so as to avoid any build up of fungus diseases in legumes or club root in mustard, which is the same family as the cabbage and rocket. The home gardener can grow a green crop between the rows of trees which can be cut and used as mulch to drought proof the trees.

In the autumn or early spring, when there is space in your vegetable garden, sow a mixture of grains and legumes. The grains bring in carbonaceous and the legumes provide the protein element. Every district has species which do well. The above suggestions are suitable green crop species of legumes and grain suitable for temperate climates like New Zealand, Southern Australia and South Africa around Capetown.

In spring to enliven a piece of land which has grown winter vegetables sow a mixture of legumes and grains as above.

These would be ready to dig in by early summer.

For tropical areas such as Queensland, Fiji, Sri Lanka, India, Hawaii some legume species that are suitable for quick growth:

Horse Gram Velvet Beans Cow pea Sunhemp

Some grain species that are suitable for green crop Millet Sorghum These can be dug into the soil within 6 weeks of sowing, or if land availability permits can be left for a longer time but

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VKRXOG EH GXJ LQ EHIRUH ÁRZHULQJ $OWHUQDWLYHO\ WKH JURZWK can be used for compost or liquid manure.

Slower growing tree species like Sesbania can be grown as grown as an annual and can be grown together with Velvet bean. After 4 months will it produce a great bulk of biomass which can be composted or made into liquid manure or dug into the soil. After harvest the orchardist can scarify between the rows of trees and sow a green crop under mangos, guavas or bananas. Try for instance sunhemp, cowpea or cluster bean.

The orchardist can grow a green crop between the rows of trees which can be cut and used as a mulch to help drought proof trees.

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CHAPTER

9

VEGETABLE GROWING One of the most wonderful things about a home garden is growing your own vegetables. Success in growing vegetables can be as simple as knowing which variety to plant and when to do so. This means knowing the variety of vegetable for the season and what time of the year to sow. For continuity of supply research will be needed into sowing and planting times.

For long term crops, such as leeks, you will need to be thinking up to nine months. With a short term crop (in New Zealand) seeds are sown in September, planted out in December and harvested in May to September. On the other hand, short term salads such as radish and rocket are sown in September and are harvested continuously from the beginning of November on.

Tomatoes, Dwarf Beans, Sweet Corn.

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VEGETABLE GROWING

60

SOIL AND BED PREPARATION After the bed is dug over, apply your biodynamic compost at the rate of one wheel barrow spread evenly over 6 square metres. Lightly fork in the compost, level and smooth off. All of the aforementioned soil preparations apply to the sowing and planting of vegetables.

Plan a crop rotational bed scheme. See table at end of chapter Avoid working wet soils Avoid treading on or compacting wet soils Use a plank to put on the ground to tread on while sowing or planting.

Apply compost at the descending period of the Moon Prepare soil for sowing or planting at the descending of the Moon Cultivate vegetables at the descending period of the Moon and according to the relevant zodiac constellation

SOWING SEEDS - IN THE OPEN GROUND. The tilth of the soil is very important for successful seed VRZLQJ 7KH ÀQHU WKH VHHG WKH ÀQHU WKH WLOWK VKRXOG EH Level off the soil using a rake; next make a shallow furrow approximately the depth of the seed. For smaller seeds like radish, rocket, carrot, parsnips, or silver beet make a furrow 2.5 cm deep using the end of the rake handle. Carefully cover WKH VHHGV DQG ÀUP GRZQ ZLWK WKH EDFN RI WKH UDNH )RU VHHGV like peas, beans or sweet corn make a furrow using the side of a rake about 5cm deep. Peas and beans can be sown in a double row. With broad beans, which are quite a big seed, the furrow can be up to 7.5 cm deep.

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When sown in the furrow the seeds can be carefully covered over with soil making sure you do not cover them too deep. /LJKWO\ ÀUP WKH VRLO ZLWK WKH EDFN RI WKH UDNH 0DUN WKH URZV with stakes and label with variety date and constellation.

Most vegetables can be grown in rows between 30 and 45 cm apart depending on the size of the plant. Sweet corn, a tall grower, should be 90 cm apart between rows and plants.

Runner beans are easily grown up a bamboo tripod. Seeds are sown 30cm apart Pumpkin, squash, cucumber and similar are grown on mounds or hills 90 cm apart. Additional compost is incorporated into WKH PRXQGV ZKLFK DUH VPRRWKHG RII DQG ÀUPHG ZLWK WKH back of the rake. The seeds are pressed into the mound about 1 to 2.5 cm deep.

SOWING, DEPTH, AND INTER-ROW DISTANCES Plant

Depth

Radish Rocket Carrot Parsnip Red Beet Silver Beet Peas Dwarf Beans Runner Beans Broad Beans Sweet Corn Pumpkin, Squash, Cucumber

2.5cm 2.5 cm 2.5 cm 2.5cm 2.5 cm 2.5 cm 5 cm 5 cm 5cm 7.5 cm 5 cm 2.5 cm

Distance between rows 20cm 20 cm 25 cm 30 cm 30 cm 35 cm 30 cm 35 cm 35cm between clumps 40 cm 80 cm and plants On mounds 80cm apart, 3 plants per mound

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A FEW NOTES WHEN SOWING SEEDS IN BOXES OR TRAYS. Â&#x2021; Small plastic seedling trays are ideal for starting seeds of OHWWXFH FDEEDJH FDXOLĂ RZHU EURFFROL SHSSHUV DQG WRPDtoes. Â&#x2021; Use moist sieved mature compost. Level the soil in a tray ZLWK D EORFN RI ZRRG DQG Ă&#x20AC;UP GRZQ DERXW FP IURP the top. Â&#x2021; Sprinkle seed lightly over surface of soil in tray and press lightly into the soil. Cover with the lightest amount of the sieved compost and lightly press this soil down. Â&#x2021; Put the tray into a white plastic bag and fold down the opening. This will maintain the moisture level during germination and stop the soil in the tray from drying out.

7KH ZKLWH SODVWLF RI WKH EDJ JLYHV VXIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQW OLJKW WR HQcourage germination. Â&#x2021; Put tray into a warm place, a small glass house if you have one, or on a sunny veranda or window ledge. Â&#x2021; Check moisture content of the soil every other day and lightly moisten if necessary Â&#x2021; After 5 to 7 days germination has begun. Allow more air into the bag each day and after another 7 days take the tray out of the bag. Â&#x2021; The young seedlings will harden off on the veranda, and after another 5 to 7 days they can be transplanted (called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pricking outâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) into seedling trays of more sieved moist mature compost. Make sure you get soil around the young VHHGOLQJ¡V URRWV )LUP SODQWV LQ WKH PL[ XVLQJ WZR Ă&#x20AC;QJHUV Â&#x2021; If possible choose a descending period of the Moon for the pricking out. Â&#x2021; Lightly water with watering can rose. Put back on the warm veranda. Check the water daily.

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Plants will be ready to transfer into the garden about 4 weeks from pricking out, and they should be hardened off before planting. This means taking the tray off the warm veranda or out of the glasshouse and putting it in the place where they will be planted out. Harden off for three to four days.

Tomato, pepper and aubergine can be started off germinating in the hot water cupboard. They need warm soil to germinate. As soon as germination has begun put them in the glass house or on the warm veranda and gradually open up the plastic bag as they begin to grow and then remove the bag. They will be ready to prick out in 14 days approx after sowing.

GETTING THE GROUND READY FOR TRANSPLANTING SEEDLINGS Prepare your land in much the same way as you prepare you soil for seed sowing with compost. Mark out planting rows on the bed. Allow between 30cm and 45cm between rows and 30cm between plants.

Take your well grown plants out of the tray and break off each plant with its roots like a piece of cake and place them RQ WKH PDUNHG RXW VRLO 'LJ D KROH ZLWK D WURZHO DQG ÀUP WKH plant in. Water the plants right after they are planted, and it is a good idea to put a small amount of cow pat pit in the water to assist new root development.

It is best to do the transplanting in the afternoon to allow the re-establishment of the roots during the evening. Always do your planting during a descending period of the Moon. There is a rapid re-establishment of new roots at this time.

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64

TOMATOES Plant tomatoes 100cm apart. Make a hole and put one shovel full of fresh compost. Cover up the hole and plant. Put the stake in at the same time. As the plant grows keep well tied and prune out the laterals. Frequent sprayings with cow pat pit and liquid seaweed will help strengthen the plant against fungus attack.

AUBERGINES AND CAPSICUM These grow in similar conditions to tomatoes but are perhaps more sensitive to the cold. Plant out about 40cm apart. Use cow pat pit and liquid seaweed.

ONIONS - RED OR WHITE These can be sown in the open ground in late autumn or sown in seedling boxes in late winter. Plant out in early spring DERXW FP DSDUW 7KH UHG YDULHW\ ZLOO EH UHDG\ ÀUVW

Onions ready to harvest, cabbage ready to pick, potatoes need staking, yarrow & chamomile in background.

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VEGETABLE GROWING

65

Stored onions.

POTATO Greened up potatoes are best for planting. This can be achieved by putting them outside under a tree and away from frost, where they are in sunlight. A week before planting cut up any big tubers allowing 3 good eyes to develop. The cut surface will dry before planting. On the day of planting dip the tubers into a solution of cow pat pit for a few minutes, this will help with root development and help the potato to grow strongly without getting blight. The soil should be prepared as previously described. Make a trench 30cm deep and plant the tubers in the bottom of the trench 30cm apart.

Cover in the trench. :KHQ WKH ÀUVW VKRRWV DSSHDU DQG KDYH JURZQ FP KLJK GR WKH ÀUVW PRXOGLQJ XS E\ OLJKWO\ FRYHULQJ RYHU WKRVH VKRRWV As the shoots go on growing continue the moulding up until the ridges reach about 30cm high. You can make two plantings. It has been found that planting potatoes when the Moon is in apogee, which is when it is most distant from the earth, brings very good results.

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VEGETABLE GROWING

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HERBS Herbs are easy to grow in most home gardens. They will do well in your soil of compost and biodynamic preparations.

Herbs are either sown annually or they are perennial and therefore are not sown each year. Sow annual seeds in early spring at Moon opposite Saturn. Perennials are propagated in the autumn either by division of roots or by taking cuttings.

SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 9 Soil and Bed Preparation. Make sure that your ground is well prepared with green manure, mature compost, application of good Biodynamic compost.

Apply preparation 500 and the cow pat pit.

Compost is well forked in and the beds are raked level and there is a good tilth to the soil Success in growing vegetables is knowing which variety of vegetable to sow or plant and when.

Sowing seed in trays and planting out seedlings. The more you practise this the more skilful you will become.

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VEGETABLE GROWING

67

Mulching Fejoa with compost & straw.

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CHAPTER

10

FRUITS SUITABLE FOR THE HOME GARDEN The soil around your fruit trees and bushes should receive the full range of preparations in the course of applying the preparations over the rest of the garden. It is recommended to apply cow horn dung preparation 500 plus the cow pat pit four times a year, twice in spring and twice in autumn. Each of your various fruit trees and bushes should receive adequate Biodynamic compost around the root zone to a depth of about 3cm lightly fork this into the soil. On top of the compost put about 5cm of biodynamic straw to keep the moisture in the compost and the soil, the mulch will also serve to keep down the weeds.

Apply cow pat pit as a spray over the whole plant and around the root zone once a month. Apply Horn silica 501 as part of the sequential spray over the whole garden.

Â&#x2021; APPLE Grown on a dwarf root stock EM9. One large apple tree can be planted where it can be a shade tree and whose long keeping and late maturing fruit can be preserved.

Renet de Thorn is a great variety.

Â&#x2021; APRICOTS Need warm dry conditions and freedom from late frosts DW Ă RZHULQJ WLPH 8VH FRZ SDW SLW DQG (TXLVHWXP DV for peaches and nectarines to control brown rot of the fruit.

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FRUITS SUITABLE FOR THE HOME GARDEN

69

CITRUS These do best if the garden is frost free or they can be grown in a sheltered position. All the citrus are surface IHHGHUV DQG EHQHÀW IURP D JHQHURXV DSSOLFDWLRQ RI JRRG quality compost around the root zone in early spring. It is a good idea to mulch with straw on top of the compost application to keep in the moisture.

FEJOA An excellent bush for a regular supply of fruits in autumn needs plenty of compost and mulch during early VSULQJ /LJKWO\ SUXQH LQ DXWXPQ DIWHU IUXLWLQJ %HQHÀWV from regular cow pat pit sprays once a month.

PEACHES AND NECTARINES These trees also grow large but can be quite ornamental in the home garden. Generally they are prone to leaf curl and brown rot. Choose a variety that is resistant to these two diseases. Using a tree paste of cow pat pit and Equisetum 508 on the bark at bud movement in can help and also a bud spray of the same in mid August and thereafter at 14 day intervals until leaves are fully out. Preparation 501 at Moon opposition to Saturn will help to control curly leaf and the brown rot.

PEARS A great fruit which does well but the trees do get very big. They can be judiciously pruned.

PLUMS Good for home garden but do spread to be a large tree.

Black Doris is a reliable jam making variety.

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FRUITS SUITABLE FOR THE HOME GARDEN

70

PASSION FRUIT Can be grown where you have a spot that gets full morning sun until midday. Plants need plenty of space to climb on a sunny wall or fence. They will crop in their second \HDU DQG VKRXOG EH OLJKWO\ SUXQHG DIWHU ÁRZHULQJ 7KH\ like plenty of compost with mulch and regular spraying of cow pat pit.

BLACKBERRY AND BOYSENBERRY Can be grown on a sunny fence. The canes which bore fruit last season should be cut out and the new season’s canes tied down on the fence. Apply compost around root zone and mulch with straw.

GOOSEBERRIES AND BLACKCURRANTS Best in cooler districts where fruiting wood is ripened by winter frosts. Fruits on old wood. Prune to keep bush open with the objective of ease of picking. Apply compost, cow pat pit and mulch in early spring.

GRAPES Grown on a sunny fence if you have the space. In winter prune back laterals to the main stem leaving two buds RQ WKH ODWHUDOV IURP ZKLFK WKH ÁRZHUV DQG WKHQ WKH IUXLW will come.

RASPBERRIES These do very well in most temperate gardens. Prune out all last season’s fruit bearing canes as they fruit on last season’s new growth. The secret is to apply heavy dressings of biodynamic compost in spring and early autumn and keep them moist. Regularly apply cow pat pit and preparation 501 at Moon opposition to Saturn. They will need protection from the birds.

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FRUITS SUITABLE FOR THE HOME GARDEN

71

STRAWBERRIES. These are grown and treated as annuals and grow well in a sunny position. Young plants are planted out in late autumn into a well composted area on ridges with 45 cm between ridges. Plant about 30cm apart. Mulch in early spring with straw to keep the moisture in the ground and to also help with weed control. During the growing season keep the runners well cut back.

SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 10 A description of which fruits are easy to grow.

Yearly composting and mulching in late winter and early spring.

Regular applications of the biodynamic preparation 500 twice in spring and twice in autumn.

Apply the Cow Pat Pit over the whole plant and around the root zone once a month.

Apply the horn silica as part of the sequential spray over the whole garden. See sequential spray chapter 3.

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CHAPTER

11

ROSE GROWING Roses like to be fed. They love well matured compost best given twice a year; once after pruning in late winter and DJDLQ DIWHU WKH ÀUVW ÁXVK RI ÁRZHUV DUH ÀQLVKHG LQ VXPPHU The summer application can be followed by a mulch of straw which will help maintain the moisture level in the soil during the hot summer. Spray regularly with cow pat pit, especially after pruning which will help seal the cuts and initiate new bud development.

Pruning is best done in late winter when the danger of frost has past. Everybody has their own ideas on pruning, but basically it is to keep the stems of the plant from getting too old so any growth older than three years should be cut out. Always try to prune to a bud pointing outwards from the centre which encourages an open growth in the centre. It seems like WKH EHVW ÁRZHUV JURZ RQ ODVW \HDU·V JURZWK

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ROSE GROWING

73

Try to prune on a descending period of the Moon during a ÁRZHU FRQVWHOODWLRQ $TXDULXV LV WKH ÁRZHU FRQVWHOODWLRQ LQ the southern hemisphere, and Gemini and Libra in the northern hemisphere. Summer pruning is a continuous job of cutWLQJ EDFN WKH ÀQLVKHG ÁRZHUV 3UXQH EDFN WR D VWURQJ EXG DQG \RX ZLOO KDYH D QHZ ÁRZHU LQ QR WLPH Climbing roses take more time to prune. The overall method is the same, cutting out any wood over three years old.

Encourage new growth and tie down last years growth from ZKLFK \RX ZLOO JHW D PDVV RI ÁRZHUV &OLPEHUV ZLOO QHHG DQ extra bit of feeding.

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ROSE GROWING

74

CHOOSING VARIETIES TO PLANT I like to grow a rose that has a history of growing successfully LQ WKH GLVWULFW RQH ZKLFK JURZV DQG Ă RZHUV ZHOO DQG GRHV QRW have disease problems.

PLANTING A ROSE Prepare the hole well. Incorporate plenty of well matured compost. Make sure the roots are well developed when selecting the new bush. Firm the soil well around the roots.

Select three healthy shoots and prune back to three buds.

Disease and pest control does not seem to be a problem where good biodynamic practices are carried out especially if you choose a strong growing rose. The main diseases are black spot, leaf rust and mildew. I have found that most roses growing in a live biodynamic soil gain strength and can overcome these diseases. Regular cow pat pit goes a long way to strengthen health, as does spraying with 501 at the Moon opposite Saturn time.

MORE ON FLOWERS 6DWLVI\LQJ Ă RZHU JURZLQJ LV OLNH VXFFHVVIXO YHJHWDEOH JURZing. It depends on soil quality, use of the biodynamic preparations, choosing the appropriate sowing and planting times and growing the right variety in the right season. Everything we have discussed under vegetable growing applies equally ZHOO WR Ă RZHU JURZLQJ &RPSRVW &RPSRVW &RPSRVW

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CHAPTER

12

DISEASES AND PEST CONTROL In a well run biodynamic garden with very good soil there should be little problem with pests and diseases. A plant is usually attacked if it is weak or under stress. Nature tries to eliminate the poorly growing plant. To grow strong annual YHJHWDEOHV DQG ÁRZHUV WU\ WKH IROORZLQJ Grow plants that do well in your district Choose healthy seed from strong plants in your garden or from biodynamic or organic gardens.

Sow and grow in the correct season.

Grow in soil that has had preparation 500, cow pat pit and biodynamic compost regularly applied and where a green crop has been grown regularly.

Sow seeds at the time of Moon opposition to Saturn.

In times of high humidity where mildew or other fungus could be a problem apply preparation 508 equisetum on the soil around the plant especially coming up to full Moon, or spray biodynamic 501 silica in the morning at Moon opposite Saturn.

Biodynamic Silica 501 sprayed at Moon opposite Saturn strengthens the plant against fungus and insects.

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DISEASES AND PEST CONTROL

CABBAGE, ROSES, APPLES AND PEACHES For chewing insects, for instance the Cabbage White ButterĂ \ ZKLFK FDQ GHFLPDWH PDQ\ RI WKH FDEEDJH IDPLO\ RQH FDQ use a bio control agent called Thuricide which contains Bacillus thurginensis and is very effective against the Cabbage White and other chewers. For all aphids use stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) soaked in water for 24 hours and sprayed on the plant using soft soap as a spreader. The formic acid in the nettle sting goes into the water and irritates the soft body of the aphis. Do this for three evenings in a row.

Nettle can be used for all sucking insects. Nettle liquid manure can also be made with biodynamic preparations and adding 5% cow urine. Strain and make up 1/5 and spray.

Other recipes for sprays against chewing insects and sucking insects in the home garden:

Garlic Chilli powder Ginger Soap

100g 100g 100g 50g

soaked in vegetable oil over night boiled in water boiled in water made into liquid

Make up to 10 litres and spray

Ginger powder Turmeric powder

100g 100g

make paste make paste

Make up to 10 litres and spray

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DISEASES AND PEST CONTROL

77

Â&#x2021; Boil leaves and seeds of Melia (Indian Bead Tree) the, strain and spray Â&#x2021; Liquid tea of African marigold â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fill a container with the Ă RZHUV FRYHU ZLWK UDLQZDWHU VRDN Ă RZHUV IRU GD\V DQG spray Â&#x2021; Bacillus Thuringensis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Spray for codlin moth in apples DQG WKH FDEEDJH ZKLWH EXWWHUĂ \ FDWHUSLOODU Â&#x2021; 3KHUHPRQH WUDSV GXULQJ Ă RZHULQJ DUH HIIHFWLYH LQ GLVrupting the mating of the codlin moth and if this proves unsuccessful try a follow up spray with Thuricide. Â&#x2021; (QFRXUDJH SUHGDWRU ZDVSV E\ SODQWLQJ ZLOG Ă RZHUV Â&#x2021; Autumn sown green crops will strengthen the soil and discourage insects over winter in the soil.

FUNGUS Equisetum 508 100g of herb boiled for 20 minutes. Leave for 48hrs and strain. Make up to 10 litres and apply to the ground early in the season at each Perigee and full Moon before the fungus appears. Also use preparation 501 Silica applied early in the morning at Moon opposition to Saturn.

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CHAPTER

13

LAWNS A well mown lawn which is green and fresh will enhance the home garden. Use a strong grass seed mixture that will stand up to wear and tear and will provide regular contribution to the compost heap and food for bees.

Encourage the growth of perennial rye, white clover and fescue. This mix will withstand dry weather. Local grasses and weeds will also establish themselves and will all contribute to the greenness of the lawn and the compost making. Regular application of the 500 will also help keep the lawns green.

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APPENDIX SUGGESTED CROP ROTATION FOR A HOME GARDEN Bed Year 1 Autumn

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Spring

Autumn

Spring

Autumn

Spring

Autumn

1

Winter Roots Veg

WGC

Beans & Peas

WGC

Cabbage Salad

WGC

2

Winter SGC Veg

Winter Veg

Roots

WGC

Beans & Peas

WGC

3

Winter SGC Veg

Winter Veg

SGC

Winter Veg

Roots

WGC

4

WGC

SGC

Winter Veg

SGC

Winter Veg

SGC

Winter Veg

5

WGC

Cabbage WGC Salad

SGC

Winter Veg

SGC

Winter Veg

6

WGC

Beans & WGC Peas

Cabbage Salad

WGC

SGC

Winter Veg

WGC = Winter green crop: rye corn or oats together with vetch, blue lupind, tick beans.

SGC = Summer green crop: barley, wheat, oats or buckwheat together with vetch, broad beans, French beans.

HOME GARDENER’S SEED-GROWING AND PLANTING GUIDE FOR VEGETABLE GROWING IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE. MONTH

SOW

July Broccoli Fordhook (under glass) Cabbage Golden Acre Derby Day Cauli All year round Four-Month Phenomenal Lettuce Triumph

PLANT

HARVEST

Aug/Sept Aug/Sept Aug/Sept Aug/Sept Aug/Sept

Nov/Dec Nov/Dec Nov Nov/Dec Nov/Dec

Aug/Sept

Nov

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APPENDIX MONTH

80 SOW

PLANT

HARVEST

August Broccoli Fordhook (under glass) Cabbage Golden Acre Derby Day Cauli All year round Four-Month Phenomenal Lettuce Great Lakes Buttercrunch

Sept/Oct Sept/Oct Sept/Oct Sept/Oct Sept/Oct

Dec/Jan Dec/Jan Dec/Jan Dec/Jan Dec/Jan

Sept Sept

Nov/Dec Nov/Dec

September Cabbage Succession (under glass) Green Acre Lettuce Great Lakes Buttercrunch Oak Leaf Tomato Hardicross (dwarf) Moneymaker (tall) or own choice Celery Utah Green Peppers Yoyo (outdoors) Leeks Onions Pukekohe (long keeper) California Red Carrot Topweight Chantenay Manchester Table Parsnip Hollow Crown Spinach Silverbeet Red Beet

Nov Nov Oct Oct Oct Oct/Nov

Jan/Feb Jan/Feb Dec Dec Dec Jan/Mar

Oct/Nov

Jan/Mar

Nov Nov Jan

Feb/Mar Feb/Apr Apr/Aug Dec/Feb Dec/Feb Dec Dec Dec May/Aug Oct/Nov Dec/Sept Nov/May

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APPENDIX MONTH

81 SOW

October Celery Utah (under glass) Cabbage Savoy-type (outdoors) Brussels Sprouts Curly Kale Lettuce Great Lakes Buttercrunch Dwarf & Climbing Beans, Pumpkin, Cucumber, Melons, Corn Carrot Topweight Chantenay Manchester Table Parsnip Hollow Crown Spinach Silverbeet Red Beet

PLANT

HARVEST

Jan Jan Jan Jan

May/Aug May/Aug May/Aug May/Aug Dec/Jan Dec/Jan

Jan/Mar Jan/Mar Jan/Mar Jan/Mar May/Aug Nov/Dec Dec/Sept Dec/Jan

November (outdoors)

Cabbage Savoy-type Jan Curly Kale Jan Lettuce Great Lakes courgettes, carrots, beetroot

Apr/July May/July Jan/Feb Mar/July

December (outdoors)

Cabbage Winter Cross Cauli White Acre Broccoli Shogun Lettuce Great Lakes Buttercrunch Corn – last sowing Carrot

May/June May/June Apr/June Jan/Feb Jan/Feb March Apr/July

Feb Feb Feb

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APPENDIX

82

MONTH

SOW

PLANT

HARVEST

January (outdoors)

Cabbage Winter Cross Cauli White Acre Broccoli Shogun Lettuce Great Lakes type Buttercrunch Mignonette Cos

Mar Mar Mar

Jun/Aug Jun/Aug Jun/Aug Feb/Mar

February (outdoors)

Cabbage Winter Cross Cauli White Acre Broccoli Shogun Lettuce Mignonette Cos Spinach

end Mar end Mar end Mar end Mar end Mar

March

Spinach

Apr/May

April

Broadbeans Spinach

Sept/Oct Jun/July

Mar Mar

Feb/Mar Apr/May Apr/May Jul/Sept Jul/Sept Jul/Sept Apr/May Apr/May Apr/May

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank Hamish MacKay of the Australian Biodynamic Association in Bellengen N.S.W. whose idea this booklet was and whose encouragement and advice made it happen and for the great support from my partner, Rachel Pomeroy, whose on-going work with our garden has been wonderful.

From Andy Black of Weleda in Hawkes Bay whose practical appraisement of the manuscript was very valuable, and lastly to Murray Childs at Copyplus Hastings and Thomas Proctor whose help in the layout and editing was great.

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